A bill of lading (B/L) is a transport document used in sea transport, confirming that the carrier has accepted the goods for carriage. It contains information about the shipper, consignee, carrier and the type and quantity of cargo.
It is a special form of consignment note which – besides confirming the conclusion of the contract of carriage – also serves as a document of title, entitling the holder to dispose of the goods and collect them at the port of destination.